Kickoff: Thursday, 8:20 p.m., M&T Bank Stadium
TV: WBFF Channel 45 (Baltimore), FOX (nationally), FOX crew (Joe Buck, Troy Aikman, Erin Andrews, Kristina Pink)
Radio: WBAL (1090AM/101.5FM) and 98 Rock (97.9FM) Ravens crew (Gerry Sandusky, Jarret Johnson, Kirk McEwen); Westwood One Sports (Ian Eagle, Tony Boselli); WDCN La Nueva 87.7 radio broadcast on the Ravens app: (David Andrade, Gustavo Salazar, Ximena Lugo)
Digital Streaming: Amazon (Hannah Storm, Andrea Kremer)
Jersey Color: Black
Stakes
A victory would clinch a second straight AFC North championship for the Ravens. Baltimore will be trying to win its 10th straight game, which would extend the longest regular season winning streak in franchise history. With two victories in their next three games, the Ravens (11-2) would secure the No. 1 seed in the AFC playoffs. The Jets (5-8) have a chance to finish .500 under first-year Head Coach Adam Gase and have won four of their last five.
Key Storylines
Will the Jets' run defense be a problem for the Ravens?
Don't be misled by the Jets' record when assessing their defense. They're ranked No. 2 in the NFL against the run and have only allowed four runs longer than 20 yards all season. The Ravens lead the NFL with 17 runs of 20 yards or more. Lamar Jackson was held to 40 yards rushing against Buffalo on Sunday, and the Ravens will be challenged again trying to move the football on the ground.
Can the Jets contain Baltimore's tight ends?
Even after Mark Andrews left Sunday's game with a knee injury, the Ravens' tight ends kept rolling, with Hayden Hurst and Nick Boyle each catching a touchdown pass. Baltimore's dynamic tight end trio has combined for 107 catches, 1,284 yards and 11 touchdowns this season. With or without Andrews who is questionable for the game, the Jets will be hard-pressed to control Baltimore's tight ends.
Will the Ravens defense be too much for Jets quarterback Sam Darnold?
The Jets rank 30th in passing offense and face a Ravens team that is peaking defensively. Baltimore blitzes more than any team in the NFL and Darnold will be facing a Ravens' secondary that is the league's deepest. That's a tough assignment for a second-year quarterback, as Josh Allen of the Bills discovered Sunday.
Key Matchups
Ravens offensive line vs. Jets defensive line
Establishing the run is always a priority for Baltimore, but the Jets are among the best at defending the run. Keep an eye on Jackson's rushing yards. He needs 23 yards to break Michael Vick's all-time mark for most rushing yards by a quarterback in a season, and the Ravens are 12-0 in Jackson's career when he runs for 70 yards or more.
Ravens blitz vs. Jets QB Sam Darnold
Baltimore had six sacks and 12 quarterback hits against Buffalo and Ravens outside linebacker Matthew Judon (8 ½ sacks, 44 fumbles) is having his best season. Darnold will need to get rid of the ball quickly while avoiding mistakes against Baltimore's talented secondary.
Ravens run defense vs. Jets running back Le'Veon Bell
This has been a disappointing season for Bell, who hasn't rushed for more than 70 yards in a game. However, the Ravens know what Bell can do from his days with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Two backs have had success against Baltimore the past two weeks - Raheem Mostert of the 49ers (146 yards) and Devin Singletary of the Bills (89 yards). Bell has wanted more carries and may get his wish against Baltimore.
